Bearded Dragon

Range:

Southwestern and Northern Australia

Characteristics:

Bearded dragons have a large, broad triangular head and a round, flatten body. Their scale color will vary depending on the environment they live in. They are most often a yellow, sandy color but can range from gray to orange. On the sides of their bodies they have a row of short spines. When the animal feels threatened they will flatten themselves and the spines become rigid. They will also change their color of their beard, or throat, to a blackish color.

Reproduction:

Bearded dragons reach sexually maturity at one to two years of age. Females will dig a burrow in September to March an lay up to 24 eggs. This may happen as many as 9 times per season. The eggs will hatch from 55 to 75 days.

Interesting Facts:

Young bearded lizards will sometimes stand on three legs and wave the forth one as a way to show dominance and recognition amongst a group. Adult males will often head bob to exert their dominance.

Did YOU Know?

Beareded dragons are becoming polular in the pet trade in the United States. Utah's Hogle Zoo encourages you to do research on any potential pet that you might bring home. Reptiles like this one require a very specific diet and environment t

Class:

reptile

Order:

Squamata

Family:

Agamidea

Genus:

Pogona

Species:

vitticeps

Length:

13-24 inches

Weight:

1 lb

Average Lifespan:

8 to 12 years

Wild Diet:

Vegetation like leaves, flowers and fruits from native plants and small animals including mammals and invertebrates